South African comedy favourite Kurt Schoonraad is heading back to the stage this June with the return of his acclaimed one-man show, Funny Side Up.
Following a successful run at the Baxter Theatre, Schoonraad will perform at Café Roux in Noordhoek on 12 June before bringing the show back to the Baxter Theatre from 22 to 27 June for a limited season.
The performances offer Cape Town audiences another chance to experience one of the country’s most respected stand-up comedians live on stage.
A Show About Finding Humour in Everyday Life
Funny Side Up sees Schoonraad doing what he does best: finding comedy in the ordinary moments of life.
The show explores relationships, social habits, ageing, pop culture and the often ridiculous situations South Africans encounter every day.
Audiences can expect a mix of fresh material, personal stories and Schoonraad’s trademark observational humour.
“Funny Side Up is really about holding onto your sense of humour no matter what life throws at you,” says Schoonraad.
“People have been through a lot over the last few years, and sometimes laughter is the one thing that helps us breathe again.”
A Special Return to the Baxter Theatre
The Baxter Theatre holds a special place in Schoonraad’s career.
More than 20 years ago, it was the venue where he launched his first one-man show, Punchlines, helping establish stand-up comedy as a major part of Cape Town’s entertainment landscape.
“The Baxter has always felt like home,” he says.
“A lot of memories were made on that stage, and coming back with Funny Side Up feels like a full-circle moment.”
From District Six to Comedy Icon
Born in District Six and raised in Mitchell’s Plain, Schoonraad has spent decades turning everyday South African experiences into comedy gold.
His storytelling style has become one of the hallmarks of his career, with much of his material inspired by family life, daily encounters and the quirks of South African culture.
“I’ve always believed the funniest material comes from ordinary situations,” he says.
“We all sit in traffic, go shopping, argue with family members or overhear strange conversations. I just take those moments and hopefully help people see the humour in them.”
A Veteran of South African Comedy
Over the years, Schoonraad has shared stages with international comedy stars including John Cleese, Russell Peters and Pauly Shore.
He also played a significant role in shaping South Africa’s comedy scene through the founding of the Cape Town Comedy Club in 1997.
Today, he remains one of the country’s most recognisable and enduring comedy performers.
Why Comedy Still Matters
While comedy has evolved significantly over the years, Schoonraad believes audiences continue to seek one thing above all else: connection.
“Comedy brings people together,” he says.
“There’s something uniquely South African about finding humour in difficult situations. We laugh differently here, and that’s something special.”
Funny Side Up Show Dates and Ticket Information
Café Roux, Noordhoek
📅 12 June 2026
🎟 Tickets from R200
Baxter Theatre
📅 22 to 27 June 2026
🎟 Tickets: R180 to R220
Bookings are available through Café Roux and Webtickets.
For comedy fans looking for a night of relatable humour, sharp observations and classic South African storytelling, Funny Side Up promises plenty of laughs this winter.
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